Is A Free Consultation With An Immigration Lawyer Really Just A Sales Pitch?

The very first step in finding legal counsel for an immigration issue is leveraging the option for a free consultation with an immigration lawyer. These initial meetings at a free consultation with an immigration lawyer typically last from thirty minutes to an hour. While most lawyers tend to charge a fee for this consultation, free initial assessments are available if you look for them.

The general purpose of that first meeting at a free consultation with an immigration lawyer is for you to describe the particulars of your situation to the attorney you are considering. Once you have presented the facts, the attorney should review with you the specific legal issues at play, based on your initial description. Your meeting for a free consultation with an immigration lawyer is also a good opportunity for both you and the lawyer to determine if there is a good fit between you.

Here are 8 tips to maximize your free consultation with an immigration lawyer:

Seek help as early as you can. In most cases, the sooner you seek out legal advice, the better off you will be. Certain immigration exceptions carry time limits for qualification, so the longer you wait, the more limited your options might be.

Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. There are usually some forms you will need to fill out, and you will want to have a quiet moment to collect your thoughts. If you feel rushed, you may forget to ask certain questions, or miss key details during the discussion.

Call the office if you are late, or need to reschedule. This is simple common courtesy. Many attorneys are busy, and they generally bill by the hour. They are literally giving free time to you; so, it is always appreciated when you notify them of schedule changes.

Ask about any documents you need, then bring them all with you. If you want to present the attorney with a clear picture of your case, bringing documents pertinent to your case is a big help. The more detailed the information, the better the attorney can assess the situation and devise an appropriate strategy.

Think about what you want know, and write your questions down in advance. You may be nervous, or even emotional, when you sit down to talk to your attorney. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might forget to ask important questions. Writing them down solves the problem.

Take notes. Remember writing down all those questions? Don’t be afraid to write down the answers as well! You want a solid understanding of what you discussed when you leave their office. And if you don’t quite understand the response, feel free to ask them to clarify it. This is as much your time as theirs; maximize it.

Understand this is a consultation, not a solution. This will, at best, give the attorney a solid overview of your situation, allowing them identify and relay your possible options. It will take more sessions to thoroughly evaluate all the options and decide on the best course of action.

Interview your attorney. Work experience? Hobbies? Handling of similar cases, and their outcomes? You want to ask the questions that will make you feel comfortable hiring this person.

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